Chic-Chocs Wildlife Reserve

Chic-Chocs Wildlife Reserve is a protected area spanning forest and mountain terrain across the Appalachian chain in the Haute-Gaspésie region. The landscape contains ridges, valleys, lakes, and streams with cabins and shelters positioned throughout to serve as bases for exploration and research.

The Quebec government created this protected area in 1949 to preserve wildlife habitats and serve as a natural transition zone next to Gaspésie Park. This decision marked an early commitment to safeguarding the region's forests and animal populations for the long term.

The reserve functions as a working research location where the focus stays on protecting animal populations and studying how they live in this landscape. Scientists and visitors encounter moose, black bears, and threatened woodland caribou as part of the ongoing conservation effort here.

Visitors stay in cabins powered by solar energy that are positioned across the reserve to provide shelter and basic amenities. The terrain is best explored on foot or by boat, and most access points remain open year-round, though winter conditions require extra planning.

Within the reserve lies an agate and geode deposit on Lyall Mountain where visitors can search for semi-precious stones during guided outings. This unusual feature turns part of the exploration into a hands-on treasure-hunting experience surrounded by wilderness.

Location: La Haute-Gaspésie

Inception: 1949

Website: http://sepaq.com/rf/chc/fr

GPS coordinates: 48.93750,-65.83000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:13